6 of

Analyzed through the Post-modern

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 6 of
Six of Crows is a fantasy novel written

Crows
by Leigh Bardugo and published on
September 29, 2015. It is the first
book in the Six of Crows duology,
which is set in the Grishaverse, the
same world as Bardugo’s earlier
Shadow and Bone trilogy. The novel is
renowned for its complex, morally
ambiguous characters and intricate
heist plot, following a gang of six
outcasts in the city of Ketterdam.
 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE GRISHAVERSE
The Grishaverse is a fantasy world where certain
people, known as Grisha, possess magical abilities
known as the "Small Science." It was first introduced
in Shadow and Bone (2012), set in the kingdom of
Ravka, a country torn apart by war and divided by the
Shadow Fold, a swath of darkness filled with
dangerous creatures.
In the Grishaverse, the Grisha are often persecuted or
feared in certain countries while revered in others,
with their powers ranging from controlling elements
(like fire or wind) to manipulating the human body.
The Six of Crows duology takes place after the events
of Shadow and Bone but shifts the focus to the
bustling, crime-ridden city of Ketterdam, which is
inspired by 17th-century Amsterdam and introduces a
more grounded, gritty side of the Grishaverse, filled
with complex political and criminal dynamics.
Post- Modernism
Postmodernism is a broad cultural, intellectual, and artistic movement that emerged in the mid-20th
century, as a reaction against the ideas of modernism. It challenges traditional structures, universal
truths, and objective reality, embracing complexity, ambiguity, and relativism. Postmodernism is applied
across various fields, including literature, philosophy, art, architecture, and sociology.
Key Characteristics:
• Fragmentation: Breaking traditional forms and narratives.
• Multiple Perspectives: Emphasizing subjectivity, rejecting a single truth.
• Moral Ambiguity: Blurring lines between right and wrong.
• Disillusionment with Authority: Distrusting governments, institutions, and established
power structures.
• Rejection of Grand Narratives: Questioning overarching ideologies like science, history,
and religion.
• Genre Blending: Mixing elements from different genres and styles.
• Intertextuality: Referencing and borrowing from other texts to challenge originality.
• Playfulness & Irony: Using self-awareness, parody, and humor in artistic expression.
• Pastiche: Imitating multiple styles without concern for coherence.
• Metafiction: Acknowledging the work as a constructed piece of art
 Analyzing Six of Crows through a postmodern perspective reveals its
complex narrative structure, characterized by multiple character
perspectives that reflect fragmented identities and experiences. The
novel blurs traditional notions of right and wrong, highlighting moral
ambiguity and ethical dilemmas faced by its characters. It rejects grand
narratives and conventional fantasy tropes, allowing characters to forge
their own paths in a morally complex world. The critique of authority and
social systems resonates with contemporary issues of power dynamics,
while the blending of genres subverts expectations and enriches the
narrative. Themes of trauma and personal history shape fragmented
identities, and the use of intertextuality enhances the depth of its
themes. Additionally, the incorporation of playfulness and irony
challenges serious themes, offering a meta-commentary on storytelling
itself.
 Fragmented Narration in 6 of
Crows
In Six of Crows, fragmented narration is
skillfully employed through multiple
character perspectives, allowing readers to
engage deeply with the story. Each
character's chapter reveals their unique
backgrounds, motivations, and emotional
states, contributing to a rich tapestry of
interconnected narratives. This non-linear
structure enhances characterization, as
readers gain
The disjointed presentation mirrors the chaotic lives of the characters and insights into
the moral the complexities
ambiguities of
they face,
reflecting themes of identity, trauma, and trust. By weavingtheir relationships
together and individual
these fragmented voices,struggles.
Bardugo
creates an immersive reading experience, inviting readers to piece together the overarching story and
understand the intricate dynamics within the diverse crew of outcasts in Ketterdam. This approach fosters
empathy and a deeper appreciation for the characters' journeys as they navigate their challenges and develop
their identities.
 Moral ambiguity
• Moral ambiguity is a central theme in Six of Crows, where characters navigate
a world where the lines between right and wrong are blurred. Each member of
the Dregs has a morally complex background, often engaging in criminal
activities driven by survival or revenge.
• For example, Kaz Brekker's ruthless actions, including manipulation and theft,
challenge the concepts of justice and vengeance, while Inej grapples with her
role as an assassin against her desire for redemption, torn between her
instincts for survival and her moral compass.
• Jesper Fahey struggles with his gambling addiction, often prioritizing his
desires over ethics, complicating his loyalties. Meanwhile, Nina Zenik, who
uses her powers to manipulate others, faces dilemmas between her feelings
for Matthias Helvar and her allegiance to her friends, highlighting the tension
between love and duty. The complicated relationships among the characters
reflect loyalty intertwined with deception, set against a backdrop of societal
corruption that complicates ethical choices.
• The heist plot forces them to weigh the potential harm to innocents against
their goals, further blurring heroism and villainy. Ultimately, the novel invites
readers to explore the complexities of morality shaped by individual
experiences and societal influences.
Pastiche
• Pastiche is a literary technique that involves blending different genres, styles, or influences to create
something new, often as an homage to existing works.
• In Six of Crows, Leigh Bardugo employs pastiche by merging elements of fantasy, heist, and young adult
fiction, crafting a unique narrative that defies traditional genre boundaries. The novel’s heist structure
draws on familiar crime tropes, like assembling a team of specialists, reminiscent of works like Ocean's
Eleven.
• It adds the magic and intricate world-building typical of fantasy. Bardugo also uses character archetypes—
Kaz as the mastermind, Inej as the stealthy assassin, Jesper as the rogue—common to these genres but
adds layers of complexity to subvert expectations. The varied narrative voices and intertextual references
further enhance the story’s depth, inviting readers to recognize connections to other works while
experiencing the characters' unique perspectives.
• Bardugo’s playful language, balancing wit with darker themes, adds to the dynamic tone of the novel,
making the use of pastiche an essential element in creating a multifaceted, genre-blending world that
feels both familiar and innovative.
 The rejection of Disillusionment with
grand narratives authority
In Six of Crows, the rejection of The theme of disillusionment with
grand narratives is evident in how authority is also central to the
the story breaks away from narrative. The characters, particularly
traditional fantasy tropes of heroism Kaz Brekker and his crew, have been
and destiny. Instead of following a failed by the corrupt systems of
single, overarching moral or heroic Ketterdam’s government, law
journey, each character forges their enforcement, and powerful elites.
own path, driven by personal They distrust these institutions,
motives like survival, revenge, or seeing them as self-serving and
redemption. The novel emphasizes exploitative, which fuels their
individuality over universal truths, rebellion against established
challenging the conventional "good structures. Instead of relying on
vs. evil" dichotomy found in authority, the characters create their
traditional fantasy stories. own moral codes and navigate the
Metafiction
• Metafiction refers to a literary technique where a work is self-conscious about its nature as a story,
often breaking the fourth wall or drawing attention to its own construction. In Six of Crows, while the
characters don’t directly acknowledge being part of a story, there is a subtle sense of self-awareness
in how the narrative plays with and subverts familiar tropes. Bardugo’s use of genre conventions—
like the heist formula, the misfit crew, and the fantasy world—often hints at a deeper awareness of
these clichés, as she twists and reinvents them.
• The characters themselves exhibit a kind of self-awareness too. Kaz, for instance, is acutely aware of
the role he plays as a criminal mastermind and deliberately shapes his image to control how others
perceive him. The novel also reflects on storytelling through the complex backstories of the
characters, showing how the stories they tell about themselves—whether true or false—shape their
identities and relationships.
• This layering of story within story and the characters' manipulation of their own narratives
demonstrates a subtle engagement with metafiction, where the book plays with and acknowledges
its own storytelling devices, adding depth to the reader’s experience.
Magical Realism and Complex Plot
While Six of Crows is primarily categorized as fantasy, it does contain elements
reminiscent of magical realism, where magic and supernatural events coexist
seamlessly with the everyday world. In Ketterdam, magic—specifically the power of
the Grisha—is woven into the fabric of society, yet it’s treated as an accepted reality
rather than something fantastical. Grisha abilities, like Nina’s power to manipulate
bodies, are seen as tools that blend into the gritty, crime-filled world. This natural
integration of magic into the story without the characters viewing it as extraordinary
mirrors the tone of magical realism, where the surreal exists alongside the mundane.
The novel’s complex plot also enhances its engagement with the audience. It
intertwines multiple storylines, as each character has a distinct backstory and set of
motivations that unfold through flashbacks and character perspectives. The heist
itself is filled with twists, misdirections, and overlapping plans, creating a multi-
layered narrative. The characters face not only external obstacles but also internal
conflicts, and the stakes continuously evolve. This complexity demands that readers
piece together the puzzle of each character's history and intentions, while keeping
track of the fast-paced and ever-shifting action of the heist.
 Minimalism and Maximalism
• Minimalism and maximalism are two contrasting artistic and narrative approaches. In Six of Crows, you can find
elements of both, depending on the scope of the focus.
• Minimalism:
• Minimalism refers to a style that emphasizes simplicity, using fewer details and focusing on the essential. In Six
of Crows, minimalism can be seen in the sharp, efficient dialogue and stripped-down moments of emotional
intensity. For instance, Kaz Brekker's cold and calculated demeanor is often conveyed through subtle actions or
brief statements, leaving much of his internal turmoil unsaid. The tension between Kaz and Inej, for example, is
understated, with a lot left to subtext rather than overt declarations of feeling. This minimalistic approach allows
the characters’ emotions to simmer below the surface, creating depth through what is left unsaid.
• Maximalism:
• On the other hand, maximalism embraces excess, richness in detail, and complexity. This is most evident in
Bardugo’s world-building and the novel’s plot structure. The city of Ketterdam is vividly described, with rich,
sensory details that create an immersive, layered environment. From the bustling streets to the complex
political and criminal underworld, the world of Six of Crows is densely packed with cultural, economic, and
magical elements. The plot itself is maximalist—intricate and filled with twists, with multiple characters, each
having their own backstory, struggles, and arcs that come together in the larger narrative of the heist
• Globalization and Multiculturalism:
• Six of Crows showcases a diverse cast of characters from different
cultures, reflecting a multicultural world. Ketterdam, the bustling city
where the story unfolds, is a melting pot of different races,
languages, and customs, showcasing the effects of globalization.
• Postmodern Media and Hyperreality:
• Though Six of Crows doesn’t directly address modern media, the city
of Ketterdam itself can be seen as a reflection of postmodern
hyperreality. The city’s corruption, illusions, and deceit create a world
where reality is often manipulated, much like how media shapes
perceptions in the real world.
• New Literary Trends: Irony and Black Humor:
• Bardugo employs irony and dark humor throughout the novel. Kaz’s
cynical wit, Jesper’s lightheartedness in the face of danger, and the
crew’s banter reflect postmodernism’s tendency to mix serious
themes with playful, ironic tones, softening the weight of their
struggles through humor and sarcasm.
 Six of Crows embodies postmodern ideals through its
complex characters, fragmented narrative, and rejection of
traditional structures. The novel’s moral ambiguity, diverse
perspectives, and lack of universal truths challenge
conventional storytelling, aligning with postmodernism’s
critique of grand narratives and objective realities. The
characters' subjective experiences and the blending of
different genres, cultures, and worldviews reflect a
postmodern world where distinctions between good and evil,
truth and fiction, are blurred. Leigh Bardugo's use of irony,
dark humor, and playful engagement with traditional tropes
further underscores the novel's postmodern nature, making
Six of Crows a rich text for analysis through this lens.
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